Paul Erickson at C2E2 2019

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo returns April 26-28, just four months from now. Run by ReedPop, C2E2 is one of the best and biggest cons.

Paul Erickson was one of my favorite guests at C2E2. I always loved walking to his booth (usually shared with fellow author James Finn Garner) and seeing him dressed in full Hobbit gear.

Erickson is a self-described "nerd-parodist.' Translated, that means he writes parodies of such franchises as Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Although I am not a huge fan of either of those movie series, my friends who are totally love his work, as do I. My point is, his work stands alone as very funny an witty. The movies behind them are merely context. The material stands by itself.

I haven't seen Erickson in a few years. I hope to see him at C2E2 or elsewhere sometime soon. It's been too long.

Go to C2E2.com for more info and updates. Check here for my recurring coverage.

Paul Erickson and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Friend Encounters: Paul Erickson and Joey Roth at C2E2 2020

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring my friends meeting celebrities.

Today's feature was orchestrated by me. I wanted to do something a little different at C2E2 last year. I figured my pal Joey Roth would be great at interviews and I set up a few for him. Of course, my other pal Paul Erickson was one of the creators I wanted Joey to interview.

Paul is the world's leading nerd parodist. He books parodying Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and more are highly entertaining, even if you aren't necessarily a fan of the original franchises. Paul puts funny spins on all. I have recommended his books to fans and non-fans and everyone has simply loved them.

Joey is a wrestling manager, who occasionally gets in the ring, too. He is also an actor, having performed on television and stage. Joey is one of a kind. Love him or hate him, you cannot ignore him. I don't want to break the reputation, but he is also one of the nicest people I know.

Joey did a great job with the interviews. Because he didn't know the creators, he came at it with a fresh approach, which is exactly what I wanted. He also provided his usual humor. It was a great mix of serious talk with shenanigans. Also as expected, he had great chemistry with everyone.  You can find that interview at On the Beat With Paul Erickson at C2E2 2020.

C2E2 2021 runs December 10-12. Go to C2E2.com for more info and check back here for my recurring coverage. Also, check out NerdParodist.com to see Paul's great work. Lastly, look for Joey all over the Chicago wrestling and entertainment scene.

Joey Roth and Paul Erickson in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

On the Beat With Paul Erickson at C2E2

Earlier this week, my coverage of C2E2 2020 for the Patch has featured interviews with artist Ali Cantarella and author James Finn Garner. Today, Johngy's Beat Special Contributor (and IPW Chicagoland champ) Joey Roth interviews Nerd Parodist Paul Erickson.
Paul might correct me (and rightly so) by saying he is the “Quintessential Nerd Parodist,” but there's more on that in the interview below. Whatever the proper title, Paul is immensely talented.
I'd like to say I discovered Paul, but the credit goes to my nephew Matt Parker. While covering a comic con years ago, Matt interviewed Paul for Johngy's Beat.
As soon as I saw Paul, I knew Matt found gold. As you will see in the interview, Paul's convention attire is quite interesting. Much like his boothmate (and yesterday's feature) James Finn Garner, Paul stands out even at a convention full of cosplayers appearing as characters of all sorts. Paul might be the biggest character there.
Paul's parody books include The Wobbit A Parody, Superfriends of the Ring, Jar Jar Wars, Episode IV: A New Dope and Talk Like Jabba: The Star Wars Parody Big Activity Fun Book. I always say one of the biggest compliments I can give Paul is to say I love his books, despite not being a particularly big fan of Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. Paul's books are highly entertaining all on their own.
As entertaining as Paul is at his booth at conventions, his panels might be even funnier and I am not just saying that because I have been a guest judge for some of his contests within the panels. Paul's sessions are always one of the highlights of a convention for me and hundreds of others.
I hope you enjoyed the interview with Paul and the rest of my coverage of C2E2. I have more recaps coming. That means more of Joey interviewing some of the most creative, fun people at C2E2. Stay tuned.
Thanks to Paul Erickson for his time, consideration and friendship. Thanks to Joey for his fantastic mic work. Thanks to C2E2 for the hospitality.
For more info on Paul, go to NerdParodist.com. Continue to check C2E2.com for updates. Also, follow Joey Roth on social media.

Paul Erickson and James Finn Garner at Wizard World Chicago 2017

Authors Paul Erickson and James Finn Garner have appeared here many times. They are two friends I have made from the comic con circuit.

Paul is a nerd parodist, specifically "The world's leading" nerd parodist. While he jokes about the title, I really can't argue with it. His books have parodied Lord of the Rings and Star Wars and despite the fact I am not a huge fan of either, I really enjoy his work. Being a fan of either probably helps, but his humor comes through either way.

James is a New York Times best-selling author. Lately, he has been working on his graphic novel series featuring clown detective Rex Koko. Clown noir might be a term invented by James, but he has perfected the art.

These two go together, because they are together a lot. Long-time friends and comic con booth partners, they are a double threat and double treat. I originally met them separately and then learned of their connection. Now, a comic con isn't a comic con, until I hang out a bit at their booth, although I still won't try those circus peanuts.

You can check out the interviews at HeroTV 2019 Episode 2: Paul Erickson and HeroTV Episode 3: James Finn Garner. Go to NerdParodist.com for info on Paul and JamesFinnGarner.com for info on James.

Go to WizardWorld.com to check out all of the Wizard World cons across the country al year. I don't know yet if Paul and James will be at WW Chicago, but I hope to see them there.

Paul Erickson, James Finn Garner and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

HeroTV 2019 Episode 2: Paul Erickson Nerd Parodist

The newest episode of HeroTV 2019 is airing on Comcast. You can also watch it at HeroTV 2019 Episode 2: Paul Erickson Nerd Parodist. PL Myers and I welcome my old friend Paul Erickson into the Comcast studios for a half hour of fun we call an interview.

I have known Paul for many years, having met him on the comic con circuit. I believe Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker actually first noticed Paul and asked for an interview. To be honest, noticing Paul at a comic con isn't hard. He is usually dressed as a hobbit. Fortunately for all involved, Paul was casually dressed for the HeroTV interview, but I digress.

At that first meeting, I learned that Paul was a Tolkien parodist, hence the hobbit garb. Paul was promoting The Wobbit A Parody (Of The Hobbit), his parody book obviously based on LOTR. Going the extra mile, Paul manned his booth (shared with fellow author James Finn Garner, the subject of a future HeroTV interview) dressed as a hobbit, engaging all who meandered down the aisle. He certainly engaged us.

That was the start of a friendship which has seen us both grow. No longer "just" a Tolkien parodist, Paul is now the "world's foremost nerd parodist" as he has expanded his parodying to include Star Wars.

I have had the pleasure of interviewing him several times since the first encounter. I am always happy to spread the word on his latest projects. He in turn has included me in a few of his famous panels at comic cons. They truly have been some of the most fun I have had at the cons.

Fast forward to present day and I suggested Paul (and James) to PL for our HeroTV show. Impressed by his body of work, PL immediately agreed. Paul brought his "A" game as he talked to us about how he started writing parodies, comic cons, his influences, dressing as a hobbit, future projects and more.

I am always extra proud when a HeroTV interview is someone I brought to the table. I was happy to give Paul some extra exposure and to add him to our growing list of fascinating interview subjects.

The best interviews always seem like a fun conversation. If you know Paul and have ever talked to him, all conversations are fun and this was no exception.

Watch the interview at the link above. Also, check out Paul's work at NerdParodist.com. If you get the chance, by all means, see him at a comic con, where he is in action at his best!

Thanks to my HeroTV co-host for inviting me to join the legendary show. Thanks to Paul for his time and consideration. Also thanks to Paul for a lot of entertainment, but I am still waiting for that meatball sandwich (inside joke).

PL Myers, Paul Erickson and me in Elmhurst, IL-February 2019.

Friendly Encounters: James Finn Garner and Paul Erickson

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series which features friends of mine who have met celebrities.

Today, I feature two celebrity friends, who were friends with each other before I became friends with both of them.  If that's not confusing enough, look at the way they are dressed.

I'll start with the hobo on the left.  That's James Finn Garner, well respected author.  He's actually in Rex Koko Private Clown attire.  Rex Koko is the title character in a clown noir book series.  It is original, humorous and very entertaining.  He has also written books without Rex Koko, but with the same wit and wisdom.

When I first heard about his clown noir, I was greatly intrigued by the originality and possibility.  I am happy to report that James has far surpassed my hopes.  Rex Koko is brilliant!

The other person is only dressed like a hobbit, but is in fact "The World's Greatest Nerd Parodist" Paul Erickson.  He has written Tolkien and Star Wars parodies.  

The best example of how good his books are is that Jason Fleigel, a huge Star Wars fan, and my nephew Matt, a Tolkien fan, love Paul's parodies and I, at best a casual fan of both, love his books.  His humor has universal appeal.

They might seem like an odd paring at conventions, but it works.  They are very good friends and have fun together.  That sort of feeling creates a lively and inviting atmosphere at their booth.

Go to JamesFinnGarner.com to learn more about JFG and to order his books.  Check out NerdParodist.com for all of the news and info on my favorite nerd parodist.  Of course, you can also check out their booth at several comic cons each year, including C2E2 in a few weeks.  Check C2E2.com for all of the info, including where you can find these two talented guys.

James Finn Garner and Paul Erickson in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Paul Erickson at C2E2 2016

Yesterday, I featured James Finn Garner, friend and boothmate of Paul Erickson, today's featured celebrity.  Singularly and together, these two are gold.

You can usually find Erickson dressed in some form of Hobbit gear at comic cons.  In that world of colorful characters, Erickson always manages to stand out.  It could be his outgoing personality.  He is always in front of the table, gently steering people towards any of his books.

He has written The Wobbit: A Parody, Jar Jar Wars and others.  The books are a lively romp through the various worlds they parody.  You don't have to be a fan of either "franchise" to enjoy Erickson's take.  In fact, I enjoyed Erickson's parodies more than I enjoyed the originals.  Don't tell him that though.  His massive ego will be out of control.

Actually, Erickson is pretty humble.  He lets his humor do the selling.  Occasionally he does a panel, which are as fun as they are productive in pushing his books (or at least his brand).

Obviously, I am friends with Erickson, but I don;t have to write this.  I truly enjoy his parodies and look forward to more.

You can check out his Jar Jar Wars and his other books at TheWobbitAParody.com.  You'll also find updates and other fun stuff.

Why are we eating fruit in the picture?  Nobody wants to see a hobbit eating a meatball sub.

Paul Erickson and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Paul Erickson's Star Wars Premiere Night

When we first met Paul Erickson, he was in full Hobbit garb at Wizard World.  We interviewed him (On the Beat with Paul Erickson at Wizard World 2013) and learned that he was the foremost Tolkien Parodist.  I quickly realized that Erickson would not be a one-off interview.  He was destined to be a regular stop on my convention circuit.
Since that first meeting, Erickson has branched out a bit, broadening and redefining his title as the foremost Nerd Parodist.  This coincided with his newest book, Jar Jar Wars, obviously a parody of Star Wars.
At Wizard World Chicago 2015, Erickson surprised me by inviting me to take part in The Nerd Readers Theatre Ensemble reading of Jar Jar Wars.  I recapped the experience at Jar Jar Wars Starring Johngy as CU L8R.  My part was short and sweet and I was thrilled to be a part of it all.  I volunteered for any future event.
The first future event has been announced.  Erickson will be emceeing The Star Wars Premiere Night Fundraiser on Thursday, December 17, from 7:00 until 8:00 at Defiant Comics, 7234 Madison Street in Forest Park, IL. Admission is $5.00, and all profits will go to Opportunity Knocks, a non-profit organization that serves young people who have developmental disabilities in the Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest area.
One of Erickson's stated goals is to help that George Lucas fellow.  Obviously, this fundraiser will celebrate and raise awareness for “Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens” which premieres worldwide at midnight on December 17.
This evening will be a Star Wars extravaganza.  Erickson will be signing and selling his parody novelization “Jar Jar Wars IV: A New Dope.”  There will also be trivia, Jedi Plinko, a Star Wars costume contest, readings from Jar Jar Wars (that's where I am hoping to reprise my role) and lots of other cool Star Wars related fun.  I'm not even a huge Star Wars fan, but I loved the event at Wizard World and this one will be even better.
Erickson is a very talented, humorous, great guy (and I am not just saying that because he is letting me join the insanity).  It is very hard to stand out at conventions filled with colorful characters, but that is exactly what Erickson does.  This night will be a blast and I am really looking forward to it.
For more info and updates, check The Star Wars Premiere Night Facebook event page or Defiant Comics Facebook page.

Paul Erickson and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2015.

Jar Jar Wars Starring Johngy as CU L8R

I always look forward to seeing James Finn Garner and Paul Erickson at Wizard World.  Over the years, I have interviewed each and have become friends with them.  They are two of the most entertaining people I have ever met (and these comic cons are full of entertaining people).

At the Chicago Wizard World, Paul was talking about "Jar Jar Wars," his newest parody.  He asked me if I would have any interest in playing a small part in a panel event later in the convention.  Would I have any interest?  Oh heck yes!  Not only does my massive ego demand I participate, but my quest for fun was tickled.

"Jar Jar Wars" is Paul's attempt to help George Lucas make that Star Wars thing a bit more successful.  Actually, I will let Paul explain, "At this event we will review two ways George Lucas (writer-director of the films "THX 1138" and "American Graffiti") could finally get the recognition he deserves for an obscure science fiction/fantasy film he made in 1977. First, he could fix the weak science (Sound in space? The Kessel Run in twelve parsecs?) and strange plot elements (No medal for Chewbacca?). Second, he could make it easier for us to identify with the weird characters (A wizard, a sasquatch, and a guy in a black diving helmet?)."

Paul showed me my lines and I committed them to memory.  I was determined to nail this part (and hopefully set myself up for future roles in Paul's "productions").

As I sat on stage, I saw the room fill with people.  There had to be about 250 people or so in attendance.  I was surrounded by real talent, too.  Could I possibly hold my own amongst this assemblage?

The moment came for my part and I started off well, but flubbed it a bit, before recovering and finishing strong.  I maintain that I was prepared, but I got thrown off my game (I have game?) by the humor all around.  I was literally cracking up through the entire segment.

In all seriousness, I was tickled to be a part of this.  Years ago, when I met these guys, I never figured I would become part of this.  This is testament to what good guys they are and also to what can happen and develop from these conventions.  Thank you Paul for a fun experience.

I strongly encourage everyone to check out Jar Jars Wars on Facebook.  You'll get info and updates there.  You might want to save yourself the trouble and just buy the book already!  You will want it once you get hooked.

This piece was mostly about Paul and "Jar Jar Wars," but the man to my left has a cool book series centered on Rex Koko, private clown.  While clown noir might be a strange concept, it is even stranger in reality and it is awesome!  I have all three of his books and I highly recommend you check out JamesFinnGarner.com to learn all about him, too.

The Nerd Readers Theatre Ensemble in Rosemont, IL-August 2015.

On the Beat with Paul Erickson at C2E2 2015

Yesterday, we featured James Finn Garner at C2E2.  Today, we feature Paul Erickson, who usually shares a booth with JFG at comic conventions.  Individually, they have resumes of tremendous success.  Together, they are indeed a trip.  I love these guys.

Erickson is "the World's Foremost Tolkien Parodist."  I'm pretty sure that is not an officially recognized title though.  On the other hand, he has yet to be challenged or proven wrong.

Erickson gave us a major scoop, especially for Star Wars fans.  His next project will be a Star Wars parody entitled Jar Jar Wars.  This promises to be a major hit (maybe even putting that George Lucas guy on the radar).

I was hooked on Erickson's work after Johngy's Beat Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker interviewed him at a previous convention.  I admit I am not even a huge fan of Tolkien, but Erickson's work doesn't require Tolkien fandom.  It's just that good.

Likewise, his upcoming project Jar Jar Wars won't require the reader to be a Star Wars fan, but since I was one (at least of the original trilogy), I am really looking forward to this.  I can't wait to see what Erickson's mind does with this challenge.  I am sure it will be gold though!

I love interviewing Erickson.  We have a lot of fun.  Where else can I learn about apple varieties?  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  After you watch the interview, head over to the Jar Jar Wars Facebook page to get all of the info and updates on Erickson's upcoming work.

On the Beat with James Finn Garner and Paul Erickson at Wizard World 2014

I first met James Finn Garner and Paul Erickson separately last year.  Both did interviews with JohngysBeat.com and I have followed them since.  A few weeks ago, Erickson told me he would be at Wizard World in Rosemont and that he would be sharing a booth with Garner.  I was excited about revisiting each.

I don't usually like to interview two people together, especially when they are not totally connected professionally.  After talking informally to both, we all decided it would make sense and be fun to do this twofer.

Jame Finn Garner is a New York Times best-selling author.  His clown noir book series featuring Rex Koko fascinated me.  I am not just giving lip-service either.  I bought the first two books in the series from Garner and I can't wait to dive into them.

Erickson is the best Tolkien parodist.  His passion (and humor) is evident as he is usually in costume at these conventions.  My nephew Matt bought his books last year and this time, I purchased the first book, The Wobbit A Parody (of Tolkien's The Hobbit).

I had a blast seeing and talking to these guys again.  I encourage everyone to check out their works after you watch the interview below.

This is one of the cool things about the comic con circuit.  I get to reconnect with people like Garner and Erickson.  Each time we get to know each other a little better (that's a scary thought for them).

I appreciate Wizard World granting me the opportunity and I thank Garner and Erickson for their time and consideration.  Check them out.  They are really interesting guys!

On the Beat with Paul Erickson at Wizard World 2013

I usually give JohngysBeat.com's Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker loads of credit for finding hidden gems among the masses at Wizard World.  I take nothing away from Matt, but today's feature was pretty hard to miss.
Author Paul Erickson was dressed in full Hobbit costume (see interview below).  Generally speaking, it is not unusual to see people dressed as characters at these conventions, but it is a bit rare to see any artist, author or celebrity guest in costume.  Erickson certainly stood out and we just had to talk to him.
After the interview and some post-convention research, I realized that Erickson is quite a parodist.  In fact, I read somewhere that his goal was to be the world's best Tolkien parodist.  I am not sure how one would ever determine that, but I would say he might have already accomplished that goal.
Erickson was at Wizard World to promote his books, The Wobbit A Parody (Of Tolkien's The Hobbit) and The Superfriends Of The Ring.  He immediately gained a new reader in Matt (and probably one in me, too).
This interview included one of the rare times when I almost lost it in laughter when I least expected it.  Even though I was recording Matt doing an interview with a grown man dressed as a Hobbit, who was talking about parodies, I choked back laughter at the mention of Foghorn Leghorn.  Foghorn Leghorn is not the only "addition: Erickson has made to his books.  There are several other pop culture figured woven into the stories.  I can only imagine how hilariously twisted these books are.
It was a lot of fun talking to Erickson.  Matt walked away with two books (which I plan on borrowing...thanks Matt).  Erickson stayed there dressed in Hobbit attire, but with two new fans and hopefully more with the publishing of this interview!
After watching the video, head over to The Wobbit A Parody on Facebook to learn all about the book and Erickson and certainly to have some great laughs.  This guy is gold!